by JL Madore
Hawk leans in, kisses me on the cheek, and then waggles his brow at Calli. “No. Your arrival is perfect timing. If I didn’t get out of here now, I would’ve missed a very important meeting.”
Calli grins and hands him a mug. “I can’t help it that you’re insatiable.”
Hawk rolls his eyes and accepts the coffee. “Like it was me instigating. You know every one of my buttons and enjoy pushing them.”
Calli chuckles and smiles at me. “Guilty as charged. Okay, go be a corporate wonder. Love you.”
“Love you more.” He waves over his shoulder as he strides off toward the office.
I chuckle at the two of them and climb onto one of the barstools at the kitchen island. “So, things are going well?” I whisper.
Calli is smiling so widely she looks like she might burst. She puts two warm cinnamon buns onto a plate and tilts her head toward the door. “Shall we?”
“Sure. That works.”
The two of us head out to the hall and she closes the door quietly behind us.
As we stroll down the private corridor toward the staircase, I reach over and pick up one of the gooey goodness cinnamon buns. Taking a bite, I groan and let the sugary delight wake my taste buds. “Oh my gods. No matter how many times I have one, there’s no preparing for it.”
“True story. And little Liza here loves them, don’t you baby?”
I take another bite and grin. “Liza? I didn’t know we had a name?”
“So far that’s the only name they’ve agreed on. Liza was Hawk’s mom and he wanted her to have a mention.”
“That’s nice.” I finish chewing my breakfast and pause on the landing before we head down to the public section of the palace. “How are you and Hawk doing? I know a few weeks ago you were a little put out that he was making decisions for you in the bedroom. Have you made any headway there?”
Calli grins. “Just last night… and actually, you helped with that.”
I sit down on one of the steps and she sits beside me. “Oh? How so?”
She sets the plate down and licks the sugar off her fingers. “Apparently, Doc mentioned to the boys how deciding what you could and couldn’t handle in the bedroom blew up in his face. He almost lost you and then got a real kick to his male pride when Creed gave you what you wanted and he realized his vision of you wasn’t fair.”
“Not to mention infuriating,” I say.
“Exactly. Oh, I know. I was livid and hurt when Hawk put limitations on what he was willing to share with me.”
“But you’ve worked through that now? He took you into the playroom?”
She nods. “Last night. We had so much fun, first just him and I, and then Jaxx came in too.”
I clap my hands and let out a quiet squeal. “I’m so excited for you. Congrats. Another benchmark for you and your guys.”
Calli nods. “Yeah. Hawk asked me to give him the time to let his guard down and it’s paid off. He’s more at ease now and he’s truly settling into the emotional side of the mating.”
“I’m so happy for you… for all of you.”
“Thanks. Now, how’s it going with your guys? Tell me everything.”
Rhylan
After twenty minutes of explaining about the Blood Witch’s treachery and how she made the same statement I’ve heard Shadowcaster say more than once, my mother is still not convinced there’s a connection.
“You know there’s no affection between me and Shadowcaster, but I can’t help you, Rhy. I stay as far away from that asshole as I can. I wasn’t privy to his dealings with Laryssa and I don’t know if he’s connected with her witch.”
“And would you tell me if you did?”
She arches a brow and I know I hit a truth with that.
“No. You wouldn’t because I’m damaged goods and for you to put your neck out and help me puts you in the same predicament.”
“Like I said. You’re the smart one.”
As much as I understand her stance, I can’t say it doesn’t hurt. No matter how old a kid gets there’s still a part of him that wants to know there are people who will stand up for him at any cost. Parents are supposed to do that, aren’t they?
My father did and it cost him his life.
Maybe she’s smart not to risk herself for me.
“Well, I’ve said what I came to say,” I say, glancing to the crevice that leads back to the main courtyard. “Are you sure you won’t come with me? I’m mated to a king now. You can build a new life in Dornte where you’re not the possession and plaything of an asshole like Shadowcaster.”
She shakes her head. “You’re thinking like a man and not a dragon. Maybe it’s different for you because you’ve lived outside the lair for the past two years but my dragon belongs here with its kin.”
It’s not different for me but I haven’t been kin here for almost a decade. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me. The Thornebane Castle is hard to miss.”
My mother cups my jaw and I bend for her to kiss my forehead. “Be well, Rhylan. May your dragon soar high and your heart remain free.”
The pain in my chest brings tears to my eyes and I blink to keep them from taking hold. I truly am exiled and she’s saying goodbye to me. She’s choosing an arrogant, brute of a manwhore over her son.
Lifting my chin, I let that settle over me. “Blessed be, Mother. May you find the peace and happiness you deserve.”
I leave her without looking back and make my way through the twists of the rocky passage. When I get to the opening to the courtyard, I peek out to check that my way is clear and—
“Slecking hell.”
Shadowcaster and a dozen of his ass-lickers are sitting in lawn chairs facing my exit drinking ale. “Oh, come now,” Shadowcaster says. “Join us Rhylan. Settle a bet. We’ve been sitting here drinking and wondering how one dragon could be so impossibly stupid as to not only betray me and my orders but to then actively engage me in battle, ignore the serving of an exile disc, and then show his face in this lair. Is it swift passage to the after you seek? If so, you’re in luck. You’re about to get your wish.”
I glance back down the rocky path leading to my family home but what’s the use? There’s only one exit and there’s no way I’m reaching it.
Stepping out into the open of the courtyard, I hold my hands out to the side. “Hello, all. Imagine meeting you here.”
Creed
Isabo and I work all morning in the King’s Tower erasing any sign that Laryssa was ever here. We remove the furniture she moved in here and find my ancestral bedroom suite where it was stored in the cellar. When that’s been brought up and set back into place, we box any of her things we think can be used by others, and then we burn the rest on the back lawn and let those who wish to celebrate dance around the pyre.
It’s rather cathartic.
“Where’s the elven rug the King Erringyle gave my father?” I say pointing to the bare hardwood in front of the fire. “Is it stashed somewhere?”
Xxani, the Castle Head of House nods. “Yes. During the confusion of the raid, your father instructed us to take all the irreplaceable items cataloged in his journal to the archive passage and secure them.”
“Wonderful. Please see that they are returned to their proper places of honor.”
The man fists a hand over his upper heart. “Yes, Majesty.”
I stand back and smile at the progress. “Thank you all. It’s looking much more like home by the hour. I leave you to it.”
With the thought of sorting through the debris of the past two years firing my cells, I return to the heir’s suite and head straight into my chamber. Pulling out the drawer where I stashed all of my Bloom momentos, I take it over to the bed.
Keyla was right. I need to come to terms not only with my feelings of guilt where Bloom is concerned but to put into perspective where my emotions lay now.
In my mind and my heart, I mourned and buried my sweet earth guardian years ago. Rhylan helped me through the physical aspe
cts of that and then Keyla healed the emotional wounds.
Bloom was an important part of my life as Prince Creed but King Creed is another man altogether. The universe saw the difference.
Now I do too.
I sort through the knickknacks I thought so important two years ago when she was taken from me. The ribbon she used to tie around her throat. The little notes she used to leave me on the mirror. A moon earring I found hooked into the loop of the rug when I collapsed on the floor in the early days of Laryssa’s rule.
I look at the assembled pile of things and the only thing that runs through my mind is how much I want to finish this and be ready for when Keyla comes home.
Come home, Little Wolf.
It’s important to me that she thinks of this castle as her home. I regret Bloom’s suffering. I wish things had been different for her for a dozen reasons, but none of them are so that we could be together.
I love Keyla.
I love that she is secure enough in that to give me time to come to that end on my own.
I love that she recognized my feelings for Rhylan and both she and Dillan want to draw him in as an equal part of this relationship.
I love that she is not only the universe’s solution to me reclaiming my throne but she’s also passionately invested in the citizens of Dornte.
I love her. Her youthful energy. Her fight and fire. Her wolf’s strength and bravery.
Honestly, I’d be surprised if there was anything my little wolf was afraid of. She is a marvel and the magic of our union grows stronger every day. She may have stepped back for me to sort through my anger about Bloom, but enough is enough.
I need her home where she belongs.
A knock on the outer door has me closing the distance to answer it when I catch the mental energy of Rhylan’s twin in the corridor. Opening the door, I take in his expression and I admit, I’m confused.
“Vikarus? What is it?”
He stares at me, his expression hard and pinched as he hands me a note. “He denies it, but I know you did something to mess with his head. This is on you, Creed. It’s your fault.”
When he turns and storms off, I’m left wondering what the hell he’s talking about. Which, with Vik, isn’t all that unusual.
Stepping back inside my suite, I unfold the parchment and read the words inked on the thick stock.
You are Invited
What: The execution of Rhylan Silverwing
How: Flaying until death
Where: The Travon Lair
When: Sundown
My mind stalls out. Rhylan can’t die. We’re just getting started with our lives and he has so much to live for. I’ll rally an army and… I have no idea where the Travon Lair is. No one does.
Fae species tend to be very protective about things and dragons more than most. To my knowledge, no one knows where the dragons live.
How do I even begin to find out?
Sundown. I check the time and curse. I have less than five hours to get to Travon, find the lair, and find a way to stop this execution.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Keyla
“So, I was thinking you’d be a perfect addition to my castle staff. They’ve been through so much, Shadow. Even if you only come with me temporarily, I know you can help so many of the Dornte citizens.”
I sit back in the cushy chair in the castle’s mental health wing and wait for an answer. Shadow, son of Nightshade, is a lovely urban elf with dark purple hair, deeply tanned skin, and the long, pointed ears of his race.
When it became obvious he would never be able to live among humans undetected, he chose to serve in the palace and make it his home. I don’t know that he’s been off the grounds in over a decade.
“And in the fae realm, you’ll be free to explore and travel and take on any number of new adventures.”
“And what are we to do?” Mother says, stepping into the meditation clinic. She frowns at me and her usual displeasure seems to be stronger than usual. “If you lure our people away from the castle, who do we turn to in times of need?”
I stand and face my mother, stepping between her and poor Shadow. “You have a counseling staff of six talented, empathetic, and dedicated professionals. I spoke to only Shadow and only because not only do I think he’d be a wonderful fit for Dornte, but I think Dornte would be a wonderful fit for him as well.”
She flattens a hand over the silk bodice of her jacket and frowns. “We can discuss it further over dinner. I have an appointment with Sharina regarding my unresolved betrayal from Raven. I cannot deal with you and your needy whining right now.”
“No Mother,” I sigh. “Of course not. Please, don’t let us hold you back. If Sharina’s waiting, I’m sure you want to get yourself sorted.”
“Tardiness is a sign of disrespect,” she says, striding off toward the private offices. “Remember that, Nakeyla.”
“Yes, Mother.”
When Shadow and I are alone once again, I take his hand and squeeze. “Think about it. I’m heading back tonight, but if that’s too soon for you to join me, we can make arrangements to get you to Pennsylvania and through the gate. I truly think it’s an opportunity to be considered. If you have family who wish to join you, I will make arrangements. Whatever you need.”
Shadow dips his chin and stands when I stand. “Your intentions are well received, Princess. I thank you for your consideration. I shall consider it and get back to you promptly.”
“Excellent. Thank you.”
With a spring in my step, I head toward the palace kitchens. Adahi was right about my father being targeted and poisoned. We didn’t listen and I owe her an apology.
She lost a great deal when she spoke out against Raven years ago. She lost her human form, her place as a weapon’s master at the castle, and the respect of her peers. She’s lived more than a decade, watching over Kotah and giving him the support he needed to be the man that he’s become.
She is a silent hero.
I want to assure her the truth has now been exposed and we are so very sorry she suffered for standing against the evils of our world.
Doc
While Keyla is busy doing her thing, I get ready for the day and head across the hall to spend an hour with Brant. The two of us never seem to get time to just hang out and shoot the shit anymore.
And since Keyla and I are headed back to the Fae Realm tonight, I figured my time is running out.
“So, things are turning around for you? You and Keyla are back on track?”
I lean over the pool table and line up my next shot. “Yeah. It took me a few days to wrap my head around polyamory, but I got there. Like Kotah says, multiple partners doesn’t mean half the love it means double.”
“What about Rhylan? Have you guys made it work with him, yet?”
I give my cue a quick snap and watch my targeted ball drop into the pocket. Grabbing the chalk off the side of the table, I make my way over to assess my options. “The four of us seem to be on the same page. Rhylan is still keeping his distance, but there’s nothing overtly wrong. He’s just going through a lot.”
Kotah and Jaxx bring in a plate of hot, roast beef sandwiches on sourdough and my bear lets off a rumble of approval. I lean my cue against the table and join them at the covered poker table. “Thanks, guys. This smells awesome.”
Jaxx sets a tray of sides down next to the sandwich tray and Brant and I dig in. “I’ll see if Hawk can join us for lunch. Be right back.”
Brant hands out the plates and I take a couple of the sandwiches, some coleslaw, and reach for the horseradish. This is what I’m talking about.
Wildlings know how to feed wildlings. There is enough food here to feed the entire palace staff.
“Is there anything you need?” Kotah asks.
I set a cloth napkin over my lap and shake my head. “No. I’m good.”
Kotah looks up from his plate and chuckles. “I meant anything that would make the transition to the Fae Realm easier for you and Keyla?�
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“Oh, sorry.” I take a big bite of my sandwich and think about that while I chew. “Actually, yeah. Keyla mentioned something to me and I thought the idea had merit. I don’t suppose she’ll ask you, so I will.”
Kotah brightens. “What is it?”
Jaxx and Hawk join us and the five of us settle in and chow down. “Keyla and I were talking about how the only downside to her mating and yours is that the two of you have destinies tying you to separate realms.”
He frowns. “Agreed. I’ve been thinking a lot about that as well.”
“Yeah, well, she’s pretty sad about being separated from you. She was jazzed about being your right hand and running the realm with you. Now she has her own realm to run with Creed.”
He nods. “Duty and destiny seem to have a way of restructuring our lives.”
“What upsets her most is how if she wants to visit or we need you, we can get to the gate and here within fifteen or twenty minutes but then we have to arrange travel to the airport and then the flight back here. It’s hours each way.”
Kotah nods. “It’s not ideal.”
“Right. But then Keyla thought that since Hawk owns all that land in Pennsylvania anyway and you guys were wondering where to build your own Prime Palace, that maybe you’d consider building it in the forested area near the portal gate.”
Kotah smiles. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. The forested area there is perfect for my wolf to run and I want to be actively involved with the integration and arrival of the StoneHaven visitors.”
Hawk pauses, his arm extended to claim a sandwich. “Yeah? Do you want a house built? A palace? An office? What have you got in mind, Wolf? I’ll make it happen.”
Kotah offers Hawk an adoring smile. “I was thinking something like the Northwood Lodge but built to suit our new needs. A private residence and then maybe a corporate center at a distance that’s easy to get to but not so close that we can’t escape the politics of the realm when we want to step away.”
“Maybe with a connecting tunnel so we can come and go without notice,” Hawk says, his eyes alight with the thought of spending an exorbitant amount of money to make his mates happy.
